Delegate distribution may dilute California primary's impact

California moved up its 2020 presidential primary to give the state more of a say in determining the Democratic nominee.

The March 3 election no doubt means greater clout for the state than if the primary had been scheduled for early June, its traditional spot. But it’s unlikely any one candidate will clean up in the Golden State because of complex rules on how Democratic delegates are divvied up.

The distribution process is designed to spread the wealth and force candidates to compete throughout the state.

That’s not to say the cumulative effect of “Super Tuesday” — when California and more than a dozen other states hold nominating contests — won’t dramatically shape the race or determine the eventual winner. But California isn’t likely to do it alone.

The Democratic rules that govern how California delegates will be split up are esoteric but important.

Those complexities so far have been overshadowed by changes in the primary voting process that have election officials concerned about logistics and taking extra steps to avoid voter confusion.

For the first time, voters can register or re-register through Election Day at any polling place. To handle the load, some counties will be setting up satellite election offices to make it easier for people to register and vote early. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors have approved four, which, in addition to the main Registrar of Voters office, means each supervisorial district will have a regional voting center open a few days ahead of the election — in addition to the traditional neighborhood polling places that open on Election Day.



https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/columnists/story/2020-01-03/delegate-distribution-may-lessen-california-primary